Bargain Hunt: Mark Stacey's Bonus Buy makes a £75 loss
Mark Stacey, 59, is known for his roles on BBC shows like Bargain Hunt where he offers insight into fine art and other antiques. He has also made regular appearances on Flog It! Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is and Antiques Road Trip.
Born in Neath, South Wales, he moved to London and worked for various auction houses including Bonhams and Sotheby's. He eventually became head of Decorative Arts and later Director of Hamptons/Dreweatt Neate Fine Art.
In 2011 he was keen to launch his own venture and opened an antiques shop in Kemptown, Brighton. Three years later he became an auctioneer at Reeman Dansie auctioneers in Colchester, Essex.
He did not always have a career in antiques in mind, as he started his working life as a residential social worker. To kickstart his drastic career change, he tried his hand at dealing antiques.
The TV host also has a hidden talent away from the cameras as he is a keen organist and occasionally plays at his local Methodist church. Passionate about music, he spoke to the Organists' Review about his talent.
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Now he has established himself as a highly-regarded auctioneer and valuer, there is no looking back for Mark.
He said: "I don't think I could do anything other than what I do know. If I had to have a change of career, I am sure it would be something creative."
He added: "The antiques trade is changing fast for anyone wanting to get into it.
"It offers great fun, excitement and very little money, as a dealer that is, but you get to meet a wonderful array of eccentric people who have passion and many stories, some may even be true, but first and foremost you must research and handle lots of things and be prepared to make a loss - this is how you learn."
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Away from Bargain Hunt and running his own shop, he opened up about his guilty pleasures and what he likes to do in his spare time.
"My biggest guilty pleasure is chocolate," he admitted. "I don't have much spare time - antiques and finding treasures takes up most of my time.
"I do enjoy relaxing with close friends, a glass of red wine. Watching the world go by is bliss."
Bargain Hunt airs on weekdays on BBC One at 12.15pm
